Macquarie Community College (MCC) prides itself on creating and providing affordable and inclusive learning opportunities that meet the needs of individuals, organisations and communities.
MCC is a Be Connected Capacity Builder, which has provided them with the funding to commit a staff member and digital mentor to implement their Be Connected program and Seniors Computer Club. They’ve also used the funding to purchase new laptops and wifi.
MCC envisaged the Be Connected Capacity Building grant as a “new and different” reason to build new program-driven relationships with existing community connections - and potentially to new groups such as local clubs and service groups that have strong relationships with seniors. By targeting specific groups (mostly those facing barriers to work or study) they’ve formed multiple partnerships that have assisted them to build a community of learners.
MCC introduces the Be Connected Learning Portal to all of their students, regardless of which course they are doing or what age category they fall into. After students are registered and taught the basics of using the website, they find the students are embracing their freedom of choice in the Topic Library. Students have reported that they like to be able to guide their own learning in areas that interest them.
MCC staff are also introduced to the Be Connected resources, not only to view the progress of students but also for ideas to assist with session planning. Staff also use the Be Connected resources and videos as oral communication prompts and activities in their spoken and written English classes.
MCC encourages their staff members to examine their intended lessons or events from the eyes of a first time digital technology user. They ask them to think of what information could be useful to the person who has limited access to, or knowledge of, digital equipment and work from that point in the Topic Library.
Click here to read more about our Be Connected Capacity Builders.